GOTG - No Safe Place

                                                 GOTG  - No Safe Place 1/11-1/18

1/11/24

    After returning from the Withered One’s space, the Guardians begin to prepare for what they must do to revive Diego, plant the seed, and stop the Wyrm’s Eternal by destroying the Conduit. Blood and Corvus make their way back to the Villa. Wulf, Eltuire, and Atheya head towards Nathee's workshop. Before splitting up, the group antagonizes Blood and El about their “will they, won’t they” vibes (they won’t). Once Wulf arrives at the workshop, he notices the door ajar and charges in; he finds Edward disposed of on the ground and Nathee nowhere in sight. Almost simultaneously, Wulf receives a message from Nirru in trouble, the High HIgh Tea shop explodes, and Atheya messages Vaughn to find that he, too, is under attack. Meanwhile, at the villa, Corvus and Blood are smoked by some unknown fire source from the floors below; Corvus and Blood act quickly and escape from the Villa. At this time, Wulf receives another message from Lady Kieva that someone wishes to speak with him and the Guardians within the hour. EL sends a message to Corvus and Blood to meet up. Before meeting up, the group is approached by a masked individual, but Wulf throws his axe at him before he can even speak a word, and the group incapacitates him. Eltuire searches his body for clues but only discovers markings on his body: “Long live the general.” The group discovers that these may be Fennec’s remaining forces. Wulf quickly hides the body, not before severely injuring the masked man. The group reunites before the chapel to confront this new and unknown threat. 

1/18/24

    The Guardians enter the Chapel and are guided to their pews; as they enter, they spot a body wrapped up in the back corner and Kieva being held by two servants of this unknown enemy. The chapel’s light is dark and occupied by several more servants around every corner. After moments pass, the Guardians witness the arrival of the three remaining officers under Fennec: Thokk Shullcrusher, Liscera Nightbinder, and Elara Deathwhisper. As negotiations begin, Liscera speaks first and makes an example of Kieva, breaking her shoulders. Starting off with tensions high, Liscera demands the soul of fennec held within the staff. At first, the Guardians try to discuss the situation and figure out more about the officers. However, Liscera is a “master” of negotiation and quickly makes an example of Sigurd and has him executed. She warns that she could have all the Guardian's allies killed and Nirruk's body revived as a slave that will wreak havoc; she furthers her point by rolling the head of the Divine Phinneas. Before she could execute another ally, Wulf tosses her the staff to save his mom. Liscera, ever so grateful, pulls out a weapon that cuts the staff in two, giving the Guardians the piece with Diego's soul. The officers leave with Nirruk's body and Fennec's soul, and the Guardians survive the encounter with most friends and family intact. 

    The aftermath of the encounter leaves the Guardians disorganized as they reach out to the allies and regroup at the cathedral. Lexa offers to bring components to help with the revival of Phineas, but the Guardians quickly learn that even with Kieva's divine intervention, Sigurd is unable to be revived. These new enemies have the means to prevent resurrection-like spells through some unknown methods. The Guardians and company decide to take the night to rest and plan their next steps. Vaughn, Nirru, Lexa, and Nathee will stick together to remain safe while the Guardians pursue the threat of the Cabal's ascension. 

    The next day, the Guardians refocus their efforts on saving Diego, purchasing supplies for the fateful trip, and making their way to the Ferryman to head towards the Divine Gate. In order to stop Fennec and the Conduit, they will need all hands on deck, Diego included. As Wulf approaches the dock, he sees a familiar face. There stands Nebin Rivenstone, Wulf’s Father.